Alaska 2007 CC Group: Why It's June 9th on Sapphire!!

[Host Caroline]

Lots of emails from folks interested in this asking a couple of the sam questions so I've edited the title of this thread.. see the next post down in the thread for answers to some of the most frequently asked!

 

The 2007 Cruise Critic Group will be heading Southbound from Whittier to Vancouver on June 9, 2007 aboard the Sapphire Princess headed to College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan... featuring an entire day in Glacier Bay:)

Rates will be out around May 6 and we will be blocking lots of balconies and minisuites since they were so popular with my first group in '05. Stay tuned for more info! If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email although as you can see (check the siggie) I will be on my honeymoon next week:D

 

Oh, and there will be an optional 4-5 night rail/hotel package to Denali/Anchorage for anyone that wants to do that.... but this will not be a "Cruisetour group" since everyone had to book the tour to do that. Details on that will be forthcoming!! Less expensive and more flexible as well than the "official" tour....

[Host Caroline]

I decided since a lot of you are reading this board it seems and it's a

little hectic around here today (see my signature and you will know why )

that I would answer here and pardon me for no individual emails!

 

Why June 9: isn't that a little later than planned? And will rates be

higher? Yes, the rates will be slightly higher than late May or June 2 on

Diamond and I will check rates on Diamond Princess for June 2 to see if

there is a huge difference BUT the main reasons for June 9 are:

 

Much of Denali isn't officially "open" further into the park until end of

May and a lot depends on how early spring is etc. but wanted to be sure

those of us doing the optional land portion that will be "escorted" by me

but offer LOTS of free time would be able to see and experience as much of the park as possible.

A June 3-4 arrival will more likely ensure that as

a precruise option than a May 26-27 arrival.

Memorial Day weekend: Many use frequent flier miles that are difficult if

not imposs. to get over a holiday and ahead airfares are higher on holiday

weekends and this is BIG travel weekend.. trying to avoid that weekend as

a travel weekend.

Those who just want a mini precruise can meet us in Anchorage evening of June 7!

 

Why Princess? Why this itinerary? IMHO only if you may only go to Alaska

once OR if you are like those in my '05 Cruise Critic Group and you missed

Glacier Bay, it's a must see.. This southbound itin offers morning

cruising in College Fjord (Named so bec. the 7 glaciers are named after

Ivy League schools) and 10-6 cruising in Glacier Bay i.e. the entire day..

Part is going in and out of the Bay but that in itself is prime viewing .

The port times in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan allow for lots of time

(very early arrival in Juneau) to do things... we have 8 hours in

Ketchikan which is an improvement over last year's as well for the

"repeaters"

If early itins are an accurate indicator, Holland Amer isn't going to Glacier Bay on

many north/southbound cruises but instead cruising Hubbard Glacier like

RCI and Celebrity do... Hubbard is impressive but a majority of people

who responded wanted Glacier Bay and I agree!

 

Princess' Anytime Dining was a huge plus last year in Alaska with

cruising schedules, port times etc.. It offers those who wante traditional

set time dinner the option, the option of the same menu "anytime", the

partial service Lido, pizza and of course the alternative restaurants..so

dining is made a lot easier..This ship also has amazing outdoor viewing

areas for cruising .. even if you have a balcony you will want this!

 

Will we have time in Denali? Yes, most definitely.. the options I'm

looking at give you at least a day and a half.. Most places do NOT and

will not have their '07 official rates etc up as early as Princess does

for cruise but the itins will be the same.. it will be a mix of rail

touring and on your own time.. more details will be forthcoming.

 

Unfortunately Princess would not let us book the group as a cruisetour

unless every single cabin was also booked on the tour and some people

want to tour independently, some on a more structured "Tour" and some

just the cruise.. So the cruise is the official "group" but those booking the

cruise with the officials CC group who want to join us for the hotel/Denali/rail

option will be given the information to do

that.. it will really be less expensive than the "cruisetour" but see the same places with more

free time etc.

 

Hope you will join us!!

[NancyIL]

Thanks for the update, Caroline!